Did you know that animals engage in playful behaviors as well? On trips to the zoo, you may have spotted otters sliding or meerkats chasing. Perhaps the primates were hopping from branch to branch and the penguins were dipping and diving. For many animal groups, play is essential.

Animals experience many of the same benefits of play that LEAP participants do!

Develop Social Skills, Language, and Communication

There’s never a dull moment at Regenstein Center for African Apes! With two gorilla infants and three juveniles in Kwan’s troop, the youngsters can be spotted climbing, tossing, tumbling, and chasing. By playing with one another, they are learning about the social structure of the troop and their role within, all while creating special bonds.

While at LEAP, be sure to pay close attention to the words and facial expressions young ones are using to communicate.

Develop Physical Skills

You can spot Asian small-clawed otters at Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House and North American river otters at Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. Watching these aquatic mammals slide, wiggle, and spin is always enjoyable, especially when LEAP is at Children’s Zoo! These movements are strengthening many of the muscles that otters use to move gracefully through the water. While playing at LEAP helps build fine motor skills, the otters are exercising just the same!

Registration is open for the spring LEAP series. On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from March 18 - May 16, youngsters (ages 2-4) can join Lincoln Park Zoo for a morning of investigating and exploring the natural world through play! Save your spot to explore and play in Regenstein African Journey and Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo.